Opening as the Midtown Theater, this classic theater, located almost 60 blocks north of Times Square, survived several tumultuous years.

Beginning as a first run theater, the Midtown Theatre, now known as the Metro (Twin), switched to second run and then adult films during New York City’s darker years (the 1970’s and 1980’s).

Restored by Clearview Cinemas and twinned, the former balcony became the second auditorium, but elaborate ornamentation remained on view in both spaces. The Metro Theatre has retained its beautiful and unique Art Deco style facade.

This underrated theater closed in January 2003, shortly after the Olympia Theatre met the reaper, but reopened only a couple months later.

The Metro Twin was once more closed by Clearview in August 2004 but again reopened under independent ownership in December 2004 after a renovation. The New Metro closed once again at the end of 2005. The facade is legally protected, but the interior was gutted and offered for retail.

In April 2012, it was announced the Metro Theatre would be reopened by the Alamo Drafthouse chain in 2013 as a 5-screen theatre on 3 levels. In September 2013, these plans were scrapped.

With the Alamos, construction looks can be deceiving. The old Movieland in Yonkers looked for months as if nothing was happening and plans were abandoned. Then all of a sudden, like Christmas, it opened! And it’s beautiful! Don’t worry, it’ll be fine!